CAMRIE CARUSO READY FOR FIRST TASTE OF SONOMA NATIONALS

DENVER, NC – Located in picturesque northern California wine country, Sonoma Raceway, home of the 34th Sonoma Nationals, will be the second stop of the NHRA Western Swing and another first for Pro Stock rookie standout Camrie Caruso. The third-generation driver, who currently resides in Denver, North Carolina, has taken the Pro Stock category by storm qualifying for every national event, earning her first career No. 1 qualifier and racing to a final round all while managing a rookie team in one of the toughest categories on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series.

This weekend she will once again be racing the Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro as she chases her first career victory and returns to sea level following the NHRA Mile High Nationals in Denver, Colorado. The first race on the mountain was a challenge for the young team but Caruso and veteran crew chief Jim Yates took the positives and will translate them to Sonoma Raceway beginning with their first qualifying pass on Friday.

“The Mile High Nationals was a race that tested our team, but I think we will be stronger because we did struggle,” said Caruso, who qualified No. 11 at her first race at Bandimere Speedway. “We are a young team and we are working to get better every race. We have had a lot of success so far this season, but I know we can be better. I am getting better as a driver and the team is getting better. There is so much to learn and process it is a challenge but one that I am up for.”

The second stop on the Western Swing will be another brand-new track for Caruso but she will continue to follow a routine that has led her to success at multiple events already this season. Caruso has quarterfinal finishes in Phoenix, Gainesville, Bristol, and Norwalk to her credit along with her breakout final round appearance at the SpringNationals in Houston where she also earned her first No. 1 qualifier.

“I love getting to come to new racetracks like Bandimere Speedway and now Sonoma Raceway,” said Caruso. “I get to meet new fans and show off our marketing partners like Tequila Comisario, Shop Squad, Powerbuilt Tools, GESI, Vibrant Power, Chevrolet, and VP Racing Lubricants. The fact that the pits are open all weekend to the fans is awesome and that gives you a lot of energy when people say they are rooting for you.”

Caruso has the benefit of Titan Racing Engine power under the hood of her Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro that also highlights branding from NGK’s Shop Squad program. Throughout their five-race run as major associate marketing partner automotive professionals can visit:  www.shopsquadonline.com to register. Use code RACE22 for a chance to win a Solo Stove with NGK conducting one drawing per month. Through nine races Caruso has started from the top half of the field seven times. The combination of a quick race car as well as a steadily improving driver has made the Caruso Family Racing operation a tough team to beat in 2022.

“We have had a really quick and consistent race car all season thanks to the guys at Titan Racing Engines and my crew chief Jim Yates,” said Caruso, who has also won in Top Alcohol Dragster. “We are making quick runs in qualifying and getting bonus points which are super important. We are also getting to start races from the top half of the field which is great.”

With only four races left before the Countdown begins Caruso is focused on making the most of every Friday and Saturday qualifying sessions and elimination rounds on Sunday. She currently sits in eighth place only two points out of seventh and most importantly less than three rounds from fourth place. When the playoffs begin and the points are reset Caruso will be in a prime position to race for her first Pro Stock world championship.

“When people heard my goals they called me crazy but I wasn’t kidding,” said Caruso. “I have a lot of drive, passion and confidence. You have to have all three to be successful and I want to compete at the highest level. I know I have a lot to learn. This is the hardest class to break through in and we are holding our own. My goal is to get better every race and I think we are on the right path.”

Caruso and the rest of the Pro Stock class will have one qualifying run on Friday followed by two more sessions on Saturday. The final eliminations will begin at 10:30 a.m. local time with the race broadcast on FOX starting at 4 p.m. ET.

photo by Auto Imagery